Chapter 2: Echo

by: Eclipsewonderland

Inspired by: L.J. Smith

Edited by: Eclipsewonderland

The perk in my step could not be stifled as I carried poor, dear, pathetic Elena towards the nearest hospital. Her unconsciousness gave too much peace to her face and I was almost disappointed that I may not be able to see her wake; I would not be able to watch her expression turn from peace to horror as reality came knocking on her hibernating door.

"You will not sleep well for weeks, love." I snickered and felt another giddy rush at her in-pending doom. For some reason or another, her particular misfortune brought joy to my heart, a joy I often only felt when Mikael lost our trail. I had won. Stefan was now under my power, not Elena's. My empire and her's warred and I had been the victor. I suppose I did live up to my name, Lord Niklaus.

I quickly shifted my thoughts back to the matter at hand, however, trying to focus on the next triumph of the night: a new Hybrid. A new comrade. A new way to bloody defend myself against Mikael. Although, the Original witch hadn't exactly made it easy for me. I had a curious thought, though, when I saw that idiotic blonde jock and the little elusive witch: what if Anya had lied to the blonde one? It wouldn't be the first time. From my long experience with witches it was usually smart to do the exact opposite of what they tell you, particularly when dealing with Anya. She was a little bit of a firecracker, that Original witch, but again, she used the same old trick. "Play me once, shame on you. Play me twice, shame on me." Wasn't that how the saying went?

I stopped at the door of the hospital, slightly irritated that I couldn't just walk in. Some things you just can't loose even when you're the most powerful thing walking about. I bit my wrist swiftly and placed small bits of blood into the doppelganger's mouth, making her immediately gag. I caught the eye of a fatigued nurse. The years had not been as kind to her as they had to me and she obviously needed to remove the smeared, thick black eyeliner and red lipstick. I easily fell into the facade of a frantic boyfriend and knelt down, holding her up dramatically on my knee. The nurse "quickly" rushed out and I slipped into my American accent.

"Oh, Elena, Elena please no!" I cried as the nurse approached me and Elena spat up my blood. I felt a little disgusted at the image. I would prefer my blood in no one's mouth, especially not that girl's, but what do you do in a time of war?

"What happened?" She asked calmly, placing her aged hand against my back. I nearly cringed and recoiled from the touch. In case you haven't noticed, I. Hate. Being. Touched. I turned to her slowly and once I had her firmly in my gaze, I dropped my facade and Elena at the same time, feeling a small dose of the familiar glee of harming humans.

"My friend here is in terrible state, may we come in?" I compelled her and she nodded. Without another word I sprinted through the doors, not even making a sound in the still air.

With a disturbingly strong sense of disgust, I threw my blood bank onto a bed in an open hospital room. It was bland, pointless, and most certainly not inviting. I smirked as she didn't stir and envisioned the million different ways I could torture her and almost shook with the rage that I felt at not being able to do anything I wanted. That hardly ever happened and I wasn't exactly fond of the feeling. Then again... If this didn't work and she did in fact have to be killed...

Well, at least I could take a little solace in that thought. I adjusted her properly, taking no pleasure in my duty. She wasn't heavy, but every time the light caught her in a certain way I was positive she was Katerina and nearly blew a gasket. That wrench had eluded me yet again. I was certain I'd tear her head right off the next time I saw her, I had no patience left for even torturing her.

"If you're not careful you'll end up like me." Came a cool, collected voice behind me. A shiver of joy made it's way down my spine, spilling into my stomach and hugging it in a cold, death like embrace. It was exhilarating and made adrenaline rush to my bones.

I turned slowly, a smirk evident on my face. "I thought I told you to stay at the school."

Stefan sighed, "Well, you know, I don't like sitting in one place for too long," he leaned in a bit, "Gets boring."

I chuckled a little at that, "I don't like my orders disobeyed, Stefan. Don't forget that." I said in a silent threat. Just because he was stronger now didn't make him intimidating and it certainly didn't mean he was about to walk all over me. Not even close. He was under my power now.

"Yeah, yeah I know." He strolled forward, a look of curiosity on his face. For a moment, I thought perhaps he did care for the girl still, but as he laid his hand on her cheek and looked back at me with a puzzled expression, I knew he didn't. I smirked, my posture relaxing a fraction as I leaned against the wall admiring my work.

"How did I fall in love with this girl?" He asked me, a smile crossing his lips as if it were some joke. I walked towards him, placing my hand on his shoulder again. I didn't know why I liked to touch Stefan now, but perhaps it was because I needed to reinforce the idea that he was real. That he was there. And to remind myself that a bit of the loneliness had fled my soul.

"Don't know, mate. Although she does retain a bit of Katerina's beauty." the last word was coated in sarcasm. My fury towards the fox had not been quenched.

Stefan laughed and turned back to me, placing his hand on my shoulder in a firm grasp. For a moment, the touch irritated me but I eased into it slightly, feeling some... Something. Perhaps reassurance, perhaps companionship.

"Without half the spunk." He cocked his head.

A smiled sardonically, but an age-old wrath budded in me at the mention of her "spunk". That, naturally, led to thoughts of her uselessness as a doppelganger, Elijah's infatuation with her, her stealing Rebekah's necklace ect. Ect. Ect. All such exhausting and irritating thoughts that I did not want to ruin my evening.

I released Stefan's shoulder and walked quickly over to the gray cabinets. I searched for a few moments before finding what I was looking for: a test tube. I was at Elena's side before even Stefan could see. His eyebrows rose a fraction in shock and I watched the realization dawn on him. I had done that to exhibit my power over him and how I would not be trifled with. Without taking my eyes off of Stefan, I casually pushed on the wound Stefan had made on Elena's neck. It wasn't a swift push, but a slow and agonizing pressure that ruptured the Platelets that had begun closing the wound because of my blood. I eyed Stefan for some form of distress, but he merely smiled in amusement. Joy began igniting more facial muscles on my face to make me smile. The fun was soon over though, and Elena's squirming had stopped, as the blood flowed into the tube.

"She tastes different." Stefan stated flatly, watching the crimson liquid thickly fill the tube. He was right, Elena did taste different but not in a particularly good way. Well, at least not to my taste buds. She had a tangy, sour taste to her whereas I preferred the sweet, warm taste found in most humans. Katerina's blood really must have tainted her family.

"Yes." I uttered quickly and, the tube filled, sped past Stefan to the nearest nurse. Although the chit-chat and nostalgia was nice, I was growing impatient. Tyler was my focus now.

"Take blood from the girl in Room 103 until she is near death. Make sure she stays rested." I compelled her before striding off.

I was surprised, however, to hear Stefan follow behind me. Apparently, I hadn't made my intentions clear enough. I turned back partially and stopped my exit "Coming along?"

Stefan shrugged, "Yeah, unless you'd prefer me to stay here?"

I could tell his last little comment was forced and that made me wonder. Looking back, Stefan had never been one that liked being controlled. He was like me; a king, not a lord. But, I was the true king and he would soon be tamed. Although it wouldn't have been much of an issue for him to come along and witness the Hybrid turning, there was always the chance of that annoying brother of his showing up and taking Elena God knows where. Besides, after his little attempt at defying me and thinking us to be equals, he deserved a little punishment.

"Yes, I would. Stay here and watch her." I stated authoritatively and watched with some glee as Stefan stormed back towards the room, almost childlike. The giddiness of having him back was beginning to wear thin and we were striding back into our old routine. The role suited me better and I could feel some equilibrium returning to my demeanor. Now, enough with the soul searching. On to the Hybrid...

The walk, or should I say run, back to the High School was swift and rather uneventful. I could only think of Tyler, my newest instrument in defending, and eventually defeating, Mikael. For now, he was sleeping beauty in a tomb... Well, he was wrapped in hundreds of chains so maybe he wasn't so beautiful. Gloria made sure he would not be able to escape without assistance, but really, this was Mikael we're talking about here. He would escape, eventually, so the time to form an army was now. If any one thing ever struck fear into me it was that man and I hated that pesky little fact. Nothing could kill me... Nothing except Mikael.

My body mechanically opened the metal school door to the lab and the slam shook me back to reality. Tyler. Hybrid. Experiment. Right...

Rebekah sighed in her over dramatized way, "Fiiinally, Nick! If you had waited one more moment he would hav-"

Impatient with her, I interrupted, "The verdict's in. The Original witch says the dopelganger should be dead."

"Does that mean we can kill her?"

If it weren't for my good mood, I would have replied angrily, but it so happened that I was in quite a good mood. No matter what happened, I won. I'd get my Hybrid. My answer was, instead, only slightly smeared with edge, "No, I'm fairly certain it means the opposite."

"What?" Even as she spoke it, she was already restraining the other blonde vampire. That was one thing I particularly liked about Rebekah, she asked questions after she did what I wanted.

"Call it a hunch." I said simply, eager for the conversation to be over. Giddiness had turned to impatience once the werewolf was in front of me.

I knelt down by Tyler. His sweating face and bloodshot eyes stirred... something in me. He was what I would build my protection on, my army on... Though, if I was honest with myself, he was also someone I understood. I understood the transition he was going through and no one else did and, should my experiment work, no one else but I would understand. He would rely on me, serve me, and never abandon me. In that moment, when I looked in his eyes, I saw the end of my loneliness. I could taste it. "Elena's blood. Drink it." I said dropping my voice.

"No, no, no, no, Tyler! Don't!"

And in moments, my little happy, warm, almost-sympathetic bubbly circle broke in the sound of her shrieking voice. I already had one shrieking blonde vampire in my life, I certainly didn't need another.

"If he doesn't drink he's going to die anyway, love." I irritatedly said before returning to look at Tyler. To see Tyler. "Consider this an experiment..." I said almost softly.

Yet still, his eyes were fearful like a deer in headlights. Instead of becoming irritated, I tried for an almost... compassionate approach. Was it half bluffing? Of course, but how the hell else was he going to drink it?

"It's ok..." I said so softly that I doubt Rebekah even heard. He reached for it and, had I not been so concentrated, I would have smirked at my triumph, but even to me the room felt tense. "There we go..." I said mostly to myself. And finally, he drank it. A thousand years of searching, running, seeking, killing, let downs, and loneliness led up to this one defining moment. There was no Elijah to release the doppelganger and no Anya to defile my plans. He. Had. Drunk it.

"Good boy." I whispered as a smile worked it's way up my cheeks. No more waiting now. Instantly, the blood took its effect and I stepped back a bit to give him room for his... Well, whatever it was his body was doing exactly. For a few moments, my smile fell, thinking it had been a hoax, but when his hand grasped his heart I knew it was happening. That was a defining characteristic of a turning Human. I felt myself looking on like a small boy at Christmas, just waiting for the gift to become unraveled. I figured it hurt, but honestly I didn't care. I would have my Hybrid. When he grabbed his head, I moved to get a better look out of pure curiosity. I felt my knees bend down even though I didn't really tell them to, I was too focused, too excited, and too tense.

Then the eyes and the veins below them popped up towards me and I knew I had done it. I had made my Hybrid. He was a near-perfect animal, possibly only beaten by Stefan. His eyes pierced straight into mine and I couldn't help the smile and awe that crept onto my face. I had really done it.

For a few moments, the room was quiet except Tyler's labored breathing and the blonde vampire's shrieks.

I sat pleasantly on the roof top of the hospital, my legs hanging over the edge. The night had been completely and utterly successful. Elena, Tyler, and Stefan were all in my possession and Rebekah was preparing everything for a trip over to Ohio where there was a lead on werewolves, or should I say, potential Hybrids. The mere thought sent a smile stretching across my face, I was getting so close to ending this loneliness. So desperately close.

On a night such as this, I could even appreciate the beauty of Mystic Falls. Although it was a small city, The court house became the focal point of the sweet, small skyline and the deep oak woods shaped the scene. I appreciated beauty in Architectural design, I had to admit. Europe was perhaps my most favorite place, all the cathedrals reminding me of the years of my "normal" childhood. They were grand back then, stretching to the sky with a purpose, now most were either tourist joints or crumbling forgotten things. The amount of time that passed was almost doubtful at times, but it only took one trip to my home town for me to remember.

Although these moments came perhaps too briefly, I sat silent and contemplative as my feet hung over the edge and the cool wind kicked up around me. Another autumn was coming and would pass before I could snap my fingers, of course. Time passed so quickly, it was nearly impossible to truly grasp a hold on anything. Suddenly, soft footsteps behind me interrupted my reverie and shut down my "contemplative" state. Turning back, I smirked in a familiar notion watching Stefan advance toward me.

"I figured you'd find me eventually, mate." I said, easily shaping my way into our friendship again. Stefan, just as easily, hung his legs over the edge with me and smirked back.

"Of course, but you're not an easy man to find."

"There's a reason for that, Stefan." I said smirking.

"Although, I did have something to talk to you about." His voiced sounded comfortable, but maybe a bit confused.

I looked at him with stern eyes, warning him. I was not about to allow anything destroy my night.

"Remember when I said I didn't understand how I loved Elena?" He asked, his voice quiet and his eyes gazing out across the skyline. I followed his eyes and stared out with him, feeling the wind pick up again and I could almost swear I felt the old long locks of my hair tickle my neck. "Well... I really don't. All those times Lexi 'saved' me, the time I fought drinking human blood, kissing her, protecting her, loving her, loving my brother... All this love.. I just don't understand it at all." He said, ending in a light laugh.

I thought for a moment, my mind working swiftly. I wouldn't tell him the "switch myth", of that I had no doubt, but for a moment I had to search for words that would tide him over, that would protect my masterpiece. After all, he was useless when he was an emotional fool.

"You were acting, Stefan, unwittingly, but you were acting." I looked at him now, demanding him to look me in the eyes. I saw his ivy green ones shift slightly in fear at the determination and authority that certainly slipped into my eyes. I grasped him forcefully by the arms, "Lexi was like Iago, manipulating you into a blubbering idiot for her own gain. Elena too, they want to make you something you're not and that, my friend, is true evil. I want you to release who you really are."

Stefan didn't seem satisfied with my answer and, although I dangerously glared at him, pressed the subject, "But at the time, it felt so real. Like I would never leave Elena's side, no matter what. I would give anything for her, sacrifice anything."

I frowned at this point, feeling a brief wash of rage come over me at the mention of the doppelganger. That would be the only unbearable part of our traveling group: Elena. Dropping my arms, I looked again across the city, but now I looked beyond it trying to discern the shape of the stars.

"That's because, at the time, it was real." I said simply before dashing to the exit and down into the parking lot before he blinked. Those were not questions I wanted to deal with, especially not now. They were not only annoying, but questioned my authority; I possessed him now, he would accept that. There was nothing left to know, understand or further "soul search" about his former life. I was heading for the truck when a smell flooded my nose that I absolutely hated. Stefan's insufferable, ill-mannered, vexing brother, Damon. And my night had almost ended on a high note... Well, except for Stefan's questions about "life".

I turned impatiently in front of him and smirked to try and hide my own irritation. I didn't know why I despised the man so much, but something about his attitude just didn't suit well with me.

"Well look who finally decided to show up to the party." I said smoothly, watching his progress on me.

"Where is she?" He replied seriously and I nearly laughed, though I was getting a little adrenaline pumping through my body. If he tried to get past me, I could kill him right? I mean it was justified and all...

"Uhh she's making a donation," he continued on his suicidial walk and I grinned harder, "to a greater cause..."Just one step closer.

I shoved my hand forcefully into his chest, "Can't let you interfere, mate." He would fight me and he would die. Finally. It was way past his expiration date.

"You're gonna have to kill me." He said, his goal still set.

"Oh I would love to kill you, don't get me wrong, but I made a pledge to your brother and, unlike him, I actually keep my word." Of course, this was all a ruse. Stefan wouldn't give a damn if I killed Damon now. And I said so, "Although, you know what? Thinking about it now, I don't think he'd care very much anymore."

I finally let my body spring forward and slammed him into a car, swiftly beginning the process of dispatching him. Push that pesky hand out of the way, slip my hand around his throat, reach my hand up and plunge into his hear-

"Don't care to know about your friend Mikael?" He forced out and I hesitated fear sliding coldly down my back, but not showing in my face. As if I'd give this vermin that pleasure. Hah. Sighing, I released his neck and he brushed himself off, staring intently at me. I felt the sudden urge to punch a wall, all these rules were killing me. He had bloody value now, and I couldn't very well kill him if he did have information on Mikael. Mikael. Again that fear returned as I thought about the Original. The vampire eating Original. Was he awake? Was he looking for me? How did Damon even know Mikael's name? Although I was no long smirking, the ability to keep up that facade lost, I still used every limb in my body to maintain an air of nonchalance though. I couldn't let Damon know what real, pure, stifling fear I felt towards Mikael.

"What do you know about Mikael?" I asked him, my eyes borrowing into his dangerously.

"Only that he knows you're here." He said in a sing-song voice. Really? That was the best he had? There was no way in hell Mikael knew I was there or I would damn well know it by now probably because I'd be dead. Or getting staked a million times. Or having my blood pulled out of my body. No. He was definitely not here. I stared at him, my fear abated and my half smile returning. I watched Damon's body shift. Hmm, it appeared when Damon's bluffs failed he wasn't so fearless anymore.

"You're bluffing." I said flatly. I was nearly going to pounce on him again when slow, deliberative steps were heard behind me. They were light and ghostly... like an Original. Could Mikael really be here? Again, fear crawled down my spine. I was done, dead, if that was Mikael.

And then his scent hit me and I nearly sighed in relief.

"Stefan." I said, letting a small bit of relief crawl into my voice. I watched Damon's face change as he eyed his brother. He knew he was different, that was certain. "Seems I've caught another liar."

Stefan looked a Damon a brief moment as he stood beside me and then looked to me, his eyes strangely submissive, "Rebekah says everything's ready." By everything he meant Elena and Tyler.

Although I still wanted to rip the throat out of the younger vampire, Stefan was clearly telling me not to with his eyes. Ugh. Sometimes I hate being a man of my word. With one last glare at Damon, I turned and to follow Stefan to the truck.

"Stefan?" Damon called, but I gave Stefan a glare that clearly said "don't turn back or I will snap your neck" so he walked on, ignoring his brother.

"If you get any better at sneaking up on me I may have to attach sand paper to your shoes so I can hear you." I said, forcing a smile. I was just ready to be on the bloody road by now.

He chuckled softly, "well, what can I say? I learned to hunt more... stealthily when I was with you."

I couldn't help a small, sarcastic laugh, "Perhaps taught you to much."

He hit my shoulder jokingly, but I was a little vexed by the motion. Touching was something Stefan loved apparently and I hated it. Excellent.

When we reach the truck, Rebekah tossed me the keys without word, knowing I always drove and I swiftly shoved them in the ignition after getting in the truck. Stefan slipped in the front and Rebekah sent him a nasty look that nearly made me laugh as she sat in the back, obviously too close to Elena for her liking. The other two slept still and oddly nestled together as if they were the only companions they each had left. Ha. Well that would change in the morning for Tyler, though the idea of Elena finally feeling alone brought a smile to my lips.

The engine roared and I sped away from this small, but pretty town. If only it hadn't been ruined by so many toxic souls. Ah, well. It's not like we were ever coming back anyway.

A/N: Phewf! I know it was two whole weeks before an update, but I tried to give you all a long chapter. Get used to it, cause this will (hopefully) be the length for all of them!

But besides that, I want to thank all of you for such a warm reception! I hope I succeed in creating the image of Klaus (and Stefan) that you all want to see. I can't explain to you all how much gratitude I feel. I really didn't think it was very good, but all of my reviewers were so encouraging! I do want to send out a special thank you to Amycakes for being the inspiration, reviewer, and all around writer's block killer for this chapter. You're amazing love! If you guys get a chance, check out her story All at Once. It inspired this fic and is truly amazing.

Anyway, I hope I maintained Klaus' character while adding a bit of my own spice. To me, Klaus is mostly like an angry and abused child. He constantly contemplates his life before his real father was discovered and how lonely he is. If you disagree and don't think I did a good job, pleeease tell me! It will only help and I've got a tough skin. Oh! And I'm steering completely away from canon at this point. Yes, I know it's risky. No, I won't change my mind.

-Eclipse